ADEGOKE, Suliat Bamidele

The National Academy of Letters in conjunction with the Department of English, University of Ibadan on August 6, 2024, hosted an International symposium in honour of the late Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo at Trenchard Hall.

The symposium which was themed, “The State of the Nigerian English Art”, witnessed personalities from Prof. Banjo’s immediate family, professors from different institutions, departments, distinguished individuals, and students. 

Also, the symposium also witnessed the speaking of Prof. Nelson Fashina, Prof. Adenike Akinjobi and Prof. Daysylva from the University of Ibadan respectively; Prof. Taiwo Soneye from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Department of English, Prof. Mabel Okakwe, from the department of Media, Language, and Communication, CUC. Ugorgi (PhD) Professor of English and Linguistics, University of Benin; Prof. Imelda Udoh from the University of Uyo, and Prof. Olusegun Awonusi of the Department of English, University of Lagos also delivered their own quota. 

Moving on, in the description of the person of Prof. Ayo Banjo by the representative of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Olapegba, the deputy vice-chancellor administration of the university, he was described as a larger-than-life character, who had left an indelible mark that cannot be erased.

With the presentation of the keynote speaker, Emeritus Prof. Munzali Jubril, a one-time mentee of the late Prof., he categorized his lifetime publication into six parts and which are; English language teaching, Nigerian English, linguistics, statistics, language in contact, and language planning. 

Further speaking of his person came up from different speakers and according to Prof. Sola Akinrinde, president of the National Association of Letters, he described Ayo Banjo as a member of the National Association of Letters, Past president of the Association, Chairman of councils of many universities, and also the former Vice-chancellor of the University of Ibadan.  

Prof. Danze also referred to him as a royally active in person even without a crown, a mirror of uprightness and a once-in-a-lifetime memory, who existed at all levels.

Prof. Festus Adesowonye, The first PhD student of Ayo Banjo, who was an undergraduate in 1966 said that the Prof. made the English Language an internal subsidiary and was awarded a scholarship by the University.

A member of the immediate family was also called to talk about him, and she gave him a touching attribute describing him as a rock and an encyclopedia, who was generous not only to his kids but to all. He was recognised as the former president of the English Studies Association of Nigeria.